an estimated size of 1,000 hectares. Further growth is expected on the fire in coming days with little relief from the weather
THUNDER BAY – There were two new confirmed fires in the Northwest Region by the evening of May 08. One in the Dryden District and one in the Kenora District. However, more fire reports were being investigated at the time of this report, so the new fire number count is expected to increase by the evening.
There were four new fires reported in the Northwest Region by day’s end on May 07. No problems were reported with these new fires.
One fire of note is Kenora 018, which crossed the Ontario/Manitoba border in the Ingolf area was last estimated at 1,000 hectares in size and not under control. An Incident Management Team has been assigned to the fire which has had continuous air attack with CL-415 heavy water bombers and Ontario FireRangers dedicated to placing values protection sprinklers on cottages at lakes in the area threatened by the fire.
Another fire of note is Red Lake Fire 003 which is listed as not under control with an estimated size of 40,000 hectares. This fire is located in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Ontario Parks strongly cautions people to avoid the southwest portion of the park while suppression action is under way. Assessment for closures of routes or portage continue so people are advised to check with the park office for updates and information on possible route or access closures. The contact number is 807-727-1329.
Aerial ignition to bring the fire to natural boundaries continues and FireRanger crews will be taking limited suppression action on areas of the fire where it is safe for them to operate. Values protection with sprinklers is also being carried out on this fire.
Smoky conditions are expected to continue in the region. The location of the smoke drift will depend on wind direction.
Restricted Fire Zone
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a Restricted Fire Zone in much of Northwestern Ontario to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Effective May 07 at 0001 daylight time, the Restricted Fire Zone was put in place and will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Under the Restricted Fire Zone all open fires are prohibited. Campfires may be allowed at some organized campgrounds or parks that use approved fire pits and meet certain other criteria. Campers should check with the owners or operators first. Within the Restricted Fire Zone area, people can still use portable gas stoves for cooking and warmth but the public is asked to exercise extreme caution. Fire staff and conservation officers will strictly enforce the restrictions on open burning.
Emergency Area Order – restricted travel on designated roads
An Emergency Area Order has been declared in the Kenora District over Kenora Fire 018. The fire has road restrictions under this Emergency Area Order. All travel and use of the Gundy Lake Road from the Junction north of Hwy 17 is prohibited; White Road is closed at the intersection of the White Road and the Malachi Lake Road; the Ingolf Road at the Ontario Manitoba border. Travel is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the Kenora District of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. All use and occupation of Crown Land on or within 500 meters of the described closed roads above is prohibited. This Order came into effect at 4:35 PM Central Daylight Time on May 6, 2016 and will remain in effect until such time as the order is revoked.
Out of Province
Ontario deployed 82 personnel on the afternoon of May 6 to support firefighting efforts in Alberta.
For more information about the current fire situation, the active fires map and the restricted fire zones go to ontario.ca/forestfire
To view the Restricted Fire Zone Map online go to this page and select Restricted Fire Zones as a layer.
The Northwest Region Fire Information Hotline is available for general information updates – 1-888-258-8842
Kenora Fire 018 Public Information – 807-548-1919
Woodland Caribou Provincial Park – 807-727-1329.
Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
